Roberto Martinez: 'Ross Barkley fortunate as injury could have been a lot worse'

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has revealed that Ross Barkley's injury could have been a lot worse after the midfielder picked up a knock in training.

The Spaniard thinks the 20-year-old could have been out for much longer if the incident happened earlier in the pre-season.

"He is fortunate really, yes, it could have been a lot worse," Martinez told The Mirror.

"Three weeks earlier and it would have been a full rupture because you are not as fit, strong and the body is not ready to react to that."

The Englishman suffered knee ligament damage after colliding with fellow international Gareth Barry in training before the start of the season and is out for an estimated six weeks.